Yoon acknowledges troop dispatch to election commission during martial law decree. South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol admitted he ordered troops to National Election Commission offices during his brief martial law declaration, citing election fraud concerns. Speaking at his impeachment trial, Yoon denied instructing military commanders to remove lawmakers from parliament. Witnesses, including a former intelligence official, testified about orders to detain opposition leaders. Yoon, indicted for insurrection, claims his actions were a political warning. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, February 4
Donald Trump downplays China’s retaliatory tariffs and ‘in no rush’ to talk to Xi Jinping. U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over China’s retaliatory tariffs, saying the U.S. will “do very well” despite Beijing’s move. China imposed duties on coal, natural gas, and U.S. vehicles while launching an antitrust probe into Google. Trump, previously expected to call Xi Jinping, stated he is “in no rush” to speak. Meanwhile, he postponed tariffs on Canada and Mexico following talks with their respective leaders. Robert Delaney, South China Morning Post, February 4
South African office talks intensify. Taiwan’s government is facing renewed pressure from South Africa to relocate its representative office from Pretoria, with officials citing growing Chinese influence. The latest relocation demand follows an earlier request in October that was delayed after negotiations. Taiwan’s foreign ministry insists it will not move, emphasizing diplomatic agreements. U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn warned that Washington may reconsider South Africa’s trade benefits if it aligns too closely with Beijing. Hollie Younger and Fang Wei-li, Taipei Times, February 5
Vietnam to talk soon with foreign partners on nuclear power plants. Vietnam will hold discussions this month with Russia, Japan, South Korea, France, and the U.S. on restarting plans for its first two nuclear power plants. State-owned EVN and PetroVietnam have been designated as project investors. The plants, originally planned in 2009 but shelved in 2016 after Fukushima, are now set for completion by 2031 to support Vietnam’s growing energy needs. Reuters, February 4
SC asks gov’t to comment on petition vs 2025 budget. The Supreme Court of the Philippines ordered the executive and legislative branches to respond within 10 days to a petition challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Petitioners, including former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez and lawmakers, claim the budget contains unconstitutional blank allocations. The petition alleges grave abuse of discretion in approving the budget. Tetch Torres-Tupas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 4
Iran expands economic cooperation with EAEU and Kazakhstan. Iran has strengthened trade and transport ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), gaining observer status in December 2024 and signing a free trade agreement covering 90% of goods. Bilateral trade with Kazakhstan reached $296 million in 2024, with Kazakhstan’s exports rising 29.1%. Both nations aim to boost annual trade to $3 billion and expand transit links through the North-South Corridor. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, February 3
South Korean military officer says he believed Yoon's martial law 'legitimate'. Army Lieutenant General Lee Jin-woo testified that he viewed President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration as lawful, though he refused to confirm whether Yoon ordered lawmakers removed from parliament. The Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon’s impeachment, while prosecutors have indicted him for insurrection. Other officials testified they followed orders despite opposing martial law. Yoon denied allegations, dismissing claims he ordered arrests of politicians and crackdowns on media. Ju-Min Park and Hyunsu Yim, Reuters, February 4
Important breakthroughs open up new phase of cooperation with Middle East, Africa. Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang highlighted key diplomatic and economic milestones strengthening ties with the Middle East and Africa in 2024. High-level visits, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to the UAE, led to the signing of Vietnam’s first Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with an Arab country. Investment from the regions reached $5.1 billion, up 113% year-over-year. Vietnam News, February 4
Japan PM to make 3-day trip to U.S. from Feb. 6 for talks with Trump. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit Washington from Feb. 6-8 for his first in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders will discuss security, tariffs, and Japan’s increased defense spending. Ishiba seeks to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Japan’s defense amid regional tensions. A joint statement is expected after the talks, which will also address North Korea’s missile threats and economic cooperation. Kyodo News, February 4
Myanmar junta headquarters falls in key Kachin town. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allies captured the junta’s Artillery Battalion 366 headquarters in Bhamo, Kachin State, after two months of fighting. Clashes continue at the 21 Military Operations Command, with a junta defector predicting its fall will accelerate the collapse of remaining bases. The KIA seized Bhamo’s airport in January, tightening its control over the region. The Irrawaddy, February 4
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan sign $4.5M trade deal as economic ties grow. Business representatives from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have signed a $4.5 million trade agreement, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Afghanistan is Uzbekistan’s fifth-largest export market, with bilateral trade reaching $866 million in 2023. Both countries aim to increase trade turnover to $1 billion in 2024, with a long-term target of $3 billion. Uzbekistan is also investing in Afghanistan’s energy sector, including a $1 billion gas project. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, February 4
Opposition plans censure, but not targeting Thaksin. Thailand’s opposition parties will meet Friday to finalize a censure debate expected in March, focusing on national security and economic issues. Chief whip Pakornwut Udompipatskul said former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not currently a target but could be if he violates governance laws. The Pheu Thai-led coalition has governed for nearly two years, and critics argue its policies remain unchanged despite leadership changes. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 4
Motorway bridge linking N. Korea, Russia planned for completion by 2026: report. A Russian construction firm has been contracted to build a motorway bridge over the Tumen River, connecting North Korea and Russia, with completion expected by December 2026. The project follows a June 2024 agreement between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, aimed at boosting trade and travel. The two-lane, 800-meter bridge will be built near an existing railway bridge as bilateral cooperation expands in economic and military sectors. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 4
China’s Jiaolong deep-sea research vessel set for sea trials after major upgrades. China’s Jiaolong submersible, capable of diving over 7,000 meters, will undergo sea trials in March following major upgrades, including a new lithium battery and low-noise propulsion system. The vessel, known for its 2010 South China Sea mission, has completed over 300 dives. Meanwhile, China’s research ship Dayang Yihao has also been upgraded for deep-sea exploration. Holly Chik, South China Morning Post, February 4
Fiji leader to press Pacific Islands concerns in Washington after U.S. aid frozen. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will visit Washington to advocate for Pacific aid restoration after the U.S. froze funding for women’s climate programs. The cuts have left regional NGOs struggling, with analysts warning they may weaken U.S. influence against China. Rabuka will meet Republican senators and attend a prayer breakfast where Trump is expected to speak. Fiji remains heavily indebted to China and was a key focus of past U.S. diplomatic efforts. Kirsty Needham, Reuters, February 4
CDC reviewing 12 major projects, $135 million capital investment. Cambodia’s Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) is evaluating 12 investment projects worth $135 million, expected to create 7,000 jobs. Eleven projects focus on manufacturing, including medical devices and steel construction materials, while one involves a 30-megawatt solar power plant. Officials cite legal reforms, trade agreements, and major infrastructure projects as key to attracting investment. Hin Pisei, The Phnom Penh Post, February 4
Mauritania Cancels Boat Contract With Chinese Company Sanctioned by U.S. The Mauritanian government canceled a contract with Poly Technologies, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned Poly Group, to procure patrol boats following pressure from the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Poly Technologies for allegedly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, leading Washington to block a €40 million payment from Mauritania to the Chinese firm. The decision has caused frustration among officials in Nouakchott and the Chinese company. Mauritania has unsuccessfully attempted to have the U.S. sanctions lifted, as they hinder its efforts to acquire essential equipment for the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore gas field. Christian Geraud Neema Byamungu, China Global South, February 5
China and the Future of Global Supply Chains. Over the past decade, China has expanded its global export and manufacturing share in sectors such as apparel, consumer electronics, solar photovoltaics (PV), and automobiles, often at the expense of countries like Germany and Japan. Despite rising domestic costs and increasing international trade barriers, China's manufacturing sector remains highly efficient, making it challenging for other nations to replicate its optimized production ecosystems at scale. While some production has shifted to emerging markets in Asia due to factors like the U.S.-China trade war, China's role as a primary producer of inputs and finished goods persists. Policy interventions, such as India's and Vietnam's incentives to attract electronic manufacturing and the U.S.'s Inflation Reduction Act influencing solar PV production, have become major drivers of supply chain diversification. Notably, Chinese firms are leading foreign direct investment in manufacturing across Southeast Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Mexico, and North Africa, indicating that diversification efforts often still involve Chinese companies. Agatha Kratz, Lauren Piper, and Juliana Bouchaud, Rhodium Group, February 4
Western, Chinese 5G Rivals Poised to Clash Over New Deployment in Morocco. European and U.S. telecom providers are set to compete with Chinese firms for Morocco’s 5G network expansion as the country’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency opens bidding. Huawei, which already plays a key role in Morocco’s telecom infrastructure through Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc, is positioned ahead of its Western competitors, including Oracle, Nokia, and Ericsson. The competition unfolds amid rising concerns in Washington over China’s growing presence in Morocco, particularly regarding potential advantages Chinese firms could gain from Morocco’s free trade agreements with the U.S. Despite longstanding U.S. efforts to deter African governments from partnering with Huawei and other Chinese telecom companies, these warnings have largely been ignored across the continent. Christian Geraud Neema Byamungu, China Global South, February 5
Chinese-Style Modernization in Central Asia: Capacities and Constraints. China promotes its concept of "Chinese-style modernization" (CSM) in Central Asia as an alternative to Western and Russian development models. Rooted in China’s authoritarian communist framework, CSM aligns with the secular authoritarian structures of Central Asian states and the interests of pro-Chinese oligarchic networks. Unlike Western models emphasizing liberal democracy and free markets, CSM integrates state control with market mechanisms. Despite China’s economic influence in Central Asia—having invested approximately $105 billion over two decades—CSM has not yet become the dominant paradigm. Challenges include anti-Chinese sentiment, labor discrimination by Chinese firms, concerns over Beijing’s debt diplomacy, and political constraints that limit CSM’s broader appeal. While China continues to promote CSM as part of its broader soft power strategy, Central Asia remains a hybrid space where Russian, Western, Turkish, and Chinese development approaches coexist. Vali Kaleji, Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, February 4
South Korea's Continuing Turmoil: A Timeline. Following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, South Korea has experienced political unrest. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) requested an arrest warrant for President Yoon, leading to his subsequent arrest on January 15, 2025. This timeline details key events from the CIO's initial warrant request to President Yoon's detention, highlighting the escalating tensions and legal proceedings during this period. Notable incidents include confrontations between CIO investigators and the Presidential Security Service, public protests, and legal challenges within the Constitutional Court. Je Heon (James) Kim and Joo Young Kim, Korea Economic Institute of America, February 4.
Beyond the Canal: The Real Risk of China's Engagement in Panama. China's extensive involvement in Panama encompasses commercial investments, including the operation of ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the Panama Canal by Chinese firms. This presence, coupled with relationships within Panama's elite, provides China with potential leverage that could be exploited to influence canal operations or other strategic interests, especially during conflicts. The primary concern lies not in overt control but in the subtle influence China can exert through its entrenched economic and political ties in Panama. R. Evan Ellis, The Diplomat, February 4
The Big Myth About China's Low Consumption. Contrary to popular belief, Chinese consumers allocate a higher percentage of their disposable income to consumption than their American counterparts. Official data indicates that China's per capita disposable income stands at $5,511, with individuals spending approximately 89.68% of this amount. In contrast, Americans have a per capita disposable income of $63,668, spending about 86.87% of it. The perception of low consumption in China stems from the country's modest wages, which limit overall spending capacity. Additionally, despite high consumption rates relative to income, Chinese households maintain substantial savings, totaling $19.13 trillion by the end of 2023. This phenomenon is attributed to elevated debt levels, prompting individuals to save more for future repayments. Therefore, the issue lies not in the willingness of Chinese consumers to spend but in the constraints imposed by lower income levels. Xiaochen Su, The Diplomat, February 4
Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt. A recent survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute indicates that 75.9% of Malaysian undergraduates consider the religion of political candidates or government leaders important, the highest percentage among six Southeast Asian countries surveyed. Additionally, 93.9% of Malaysian respondents stated that religion or spiritual belief is very or quite important in their lives. However, the survey also reveals that the top concerns for these students are "unemployment and recession" (89.3%), "corruption" (85.5%), and "widening socioeconomic gap and rising income disparity" (84.8%). These findings suggest that while religiosity is important to Malaysian youth, economic and governance issues may hold greater weight in their priorities. Norshahril Saat, Fulcrum, February 5
Border Crackdown on Organised Crime Puts Vulnerable Myanmar Population in Thailand at Risk. The Thai-Myanmar border, particularly areas like the Shwe Kokko enclave in Myanmar's Karen State, has become a hub for transnational organized crime, including sophisticated online scams. These operations often involve the trafficking of individuals who are coerced into fraudulent activities under conditions akin to modern slavery. In response, authorities from Thailand, China, and neighboring countries have intensified security measures to combat these crimes. However, such broad crackdowns may inadvertently endanger vulnerable Myanmar citizens seeking refuge in Thailand, including migrant workers and asylum seekers who have fled post-coup violence since 2021. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Fulcrum, February 4